Learn More About What Makes a Long-Distance Move
Both of these can be considered long-distance moves:
- Moving to a new city in your state or province.
- Moving to a new city out of state or province.
The term “long-distance move” is sometimes clear as mud. That’s, in part, because it depends on who you ask.
Let’s explore the general ways different moving companies may define a long-distance move and what you should know about long-distance moving services.
How Is “Long-Distance Move” Defined?
Some long-distance moving companies define a move as anything 400 miles (about 645 km) or more. Other companies may define a long-distance move as any cross-country, out-of-state, or across-province move. And still others only call it long-distance when you cross a state or province line.
Let’s look at an example. Let’s say you live in Winchester, New Hampshire, and you’re moving to Albany, New York. That’s 132 miles away. So is that long-distance, even though it’s less than 400 miles (or 645 km) away? It depends on which long-distance moving company you ask.
The simple solution is to talk to different movers and find out what they have to say about your specific moving needs and whether your move is considered long distance.
Clarifying Long-Distance Moving Services
If you’re planning to move far from wherever you call home, finding trustworthy long-distance moving services can make all the difference for your move. Depending on the services you choose, you could have a pro pack your belongings, load them onto the truck, drive them to your new home, unload the truck, and even unpack your belongings room-by-room!
But not every long-distance move looks like that. Here’s what you need to know about long-distance moving before you start looking for a specific company.
Estimates
The cost of moving long-distance will likely vary from company to company. Some charge different rates depending on a variety of factors, some of which are out of your control:
- Move date and season
- The distance between your old home and new one, in miles or kilometers
- The number of bedrooms or size of your home
- The total weight of your belongings
- Insurance protection, which could be minimum or full-value
Some companies’ estimates will also include fees and surcharges. When you request an estimate for long-distance moving, always ask whether it will accurately reflect the amount you’ll pay when your move is complete.
Sharing a Truck
Many long-distance moving companies require customers to share the trailer space with other customers. This means those moving companies bundle upcoming moves into one timeline and one truckload.
What does that mean for you?
- You may have to wait longer for your belongings to arrive at your new home.
- Belongings can get mixed up or delivered to the wrong address.
- You may have to move at a less-than-ideal time.
Not all cross-country movers use semi trucks or share loads among several households, so be sure to double check what to expect for your long-distance move. Choose a reputable company who can promise your items will arrive when you do, so you’ll be sleeping in your own bed on your first night.
Moving Teams
Some moving companies will use two separate moving teams to handle your long-distance move. You’ll need one team at your current home and one at your new home. Often, the driving portion is contracted out, putting your belongings in the possession of a third party.
If this doesn’t sound good to you, know that there are other long-distance moving teams who handle your move from start to finish.
Add-On Services
In addition to loading, driving, and unloading the truck, you can book additional services to make your long-distance move truly great: packing and unpacking.
These services allow you to focus on what matters most – your family, work, hobbies, or just relaxing – while your moving crew does all the work for you. You can ask that they pack your entire home, just your kitchen, or only special items, like heirlooms and antiques.
Once you’ve arrived at your new home, the team will unpack the boxes for you, room-by-room, making it easier for you to organize and put away your belongings.
If you suspect you’ll need packing or unpacking services, be sure to ask when you request a moving estimate.
You Deserve Premium Long-Distance Moving Services
When you’re facing a long-distance move, finding the right help matters.
There is no shortage of long-distance moving companies to choose from, so do your homework, ask all the right questions, and enjoy your best move ever.
